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India as a land is a land of diversity. You can still find a lot of diversity in the culture, caste, creed, religion of the land. Because of the various rules and rulers during the different times, the foundation of India holds different cultures as well. There have been arrivals of the British, French, Dutch, Portuguese and all of them have also ruled over the country for a distinct period of time. Therefore during those rules one of the major formations were the churches in India. These churches in India are impeccable when it comes to their appearance. Other than that these churches also hold a lot of historical and cultural relevance as well. Also some of these churches are the biggest churches in India that are popular tourist spots as well.
In a lot of cities and towns you will find these churches. From splendid architecture to chic appearance the big church in India is a sight in itself. Also India does have a good population of Christians as well so the largest church in India is even more important for them. In this article I will mention some of the biggest churches in India that you need to visit. Undoubtedly you will be in awe after visiting these splendid churches. So keep on reading this article to know more about India’s biggest church.
9 Biggest Churches in India
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Location: Goa
This is one of the iconic churches in India and of course of the biggest churches in India as well. Located in the Konkan region in Goa this church holds a lot of relevance and significance as well. At present this church is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well. This church is also significant for the Christians as this church houses the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier. According to the Portuguese language Bom Jesus means infant or good Jesus. It is the first ever minor basilica in India as well. Alongside this church is also an example of lovely Portuguese architecture that looks magnificent.
Furthermore this is one of the oldest churches in India as well as it is more than 408 years old. Also this is a church which remains open for visitors on all days. Annually a million of visitors visit this church making it one of the popular churches as well. The baroque style architecture, infrastructure, location as well as significance of this church is something that you cannot miss out on. So whenever you are visiting Goa make sure you are visiting this largest church in India.
Santa Cruz Basilica
Location: Kerala
Francis de Almeida established this church in 1505. Later in 1984 John Paul II Pope declared this Basilica. The original architecture of this church is Portuguese. However the church has faced demolition a lot of times in history. Mostly the construction of this church is on the basis of Gothic architecture. And the architecture of this church is also one of the things that makes it even more attractive. This is one of the biggest churches in India that many visitors visit. The visitors also claim that they derive spiritual aura and enlightenment after visiting this church as well. Other than the splendid architecture of this church from outside, the interior also looks breathtaking. You need to visit this church in person to grasp the beauty here. So make sure you include this church in your itinerary and you will love it.
Reis Magos Church
Location: Goa
This is again one of the biggest churches in India with captivating beauty as well. Located in the Reis Magos village in the district of North Goa this is one of the most beautiful churches. In 1555 Franciscan Friars established this church. However the construction of this church followed the Portuguese style of architecture. This is a purely white church that is still standing tall with its aura. A rich history and culture of the bygone days is very well reflected through this church as well. You can learn and notice a lot about Portuguese culture if you visit this church. So on your next trip to Goa, make sure you make a quick stop at this church.
St. Francis Church
Location: Kerala
It is again one of the oldest as well as one of the biggest churches in Goa. The history of the formation of this church goes back to 1503. The Portuguese built this church following the European model of architecture. This church is like a silent observer of European dominance in the country. At one point of time this church served as the cremation location for the famous Portuguese traveler Vasco da Gama in 1524. However, later his remains were shifted to London after 40 years of his death. Previously it was a basic church but the British revamped it later to make it look magnificent. This is one of the churches that a million of devotees visit with the hope that their wishes might get fulfilled.
Velankanni Church
Location: Tamil Nadu
This is one of the most popular tourist locations in Tamil Nadu. Even though the church is located in a small coastal town Velankanni it is one of the most popular as well as one of the biggest churches in India. It is one of the churches that reflects the amalgamation of different cultures and ethnicities. You can see an elegant sculpture of Mother Mary here adorning a traditional saree. Definitely, that is one of the most attractive features of this church. Also the church is massive and the architecture is captivating as well. This church first developed in the Gothic style of architecture during the 16th century. Later in 1962 Pope John XXIII gave a Basilica status to this church. If you ever visit Velankanni you simply cannot afford to miss out on this beautiful church.
St. Catherine Church
Location: Goa
This one is one of the biggest churches in India located in Old Goa. International and nationally this church has its name on the list of popular churches due to its stunning architecture. The history of the formation of this church goes back to 1510. With baroque architectural style along with a combination of brown and white facade this is a beautiful looking church. It is also one of the World Heritage Sites that makes it a popular spot to visit. Pope Paul III granted the status of Cathedral to this church in 1534.
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San Thome Basilica
Location: Tamil Nadu
This is an old church that goes back to the 16th century. Moreover this Roman Catholic Basilica is one of the biggest churches in India. This church is 201 feet high which is one of the most attractive features of this church. The location and the stunning beauty of this beautiful church makes it a popular tourist spot as well. It almost looks like a painting when you see this church from a distance. The architecture style here is neo gothic and looks splendid. Along with the fine detailing the interior as well as the exterior of the church attracts all the attention. When you visit Tamil Nadu include visiting this church in your itinerary.
Shimla Christ Church
Location: Shimla
The scenic beauty of Shimla is always astounding. And the church on this backdrop is almost like a picture. It is one of the biggest churches in India along with being one of the oldest too. It is one of the popular destinations during Christmas when the majority of visitors visit here. And the church looks even more breathtakingly beautiful with the snowfall. So if you are interested in enjoying that divine experience do visit here during this time. It can be one of the most picturesque sites of your whole Shimla trip too.
All Saints Church
Location: Connor
This is one of the biggest churches in India and the formation of this church goes back to 1854. What is most special about this church is the intricate wood carvings. The architecture looks brilliant and the surrounding is like a cherry on top. Overall the ambience of this church is extremely peaceful. It is a much preferred tourist spot as well that a lot of visitors visit on a regular basis. You can get a fair idea about the colonial structure while looking at the architecture of this church. With domes, stained glass windows and intricate patterns it is one of the prettiest sites that you can enjoy here.
Wrapping up!
Churches are the major site of pilgrimage for Christians. But other than that these biggest churches in India are also popular as tourist sites as well. These churches hold with themselves a long colonial history. They had been witness to long rules of the rulers in the past. And till today these churches are standing in their true splendor. So whenever you are visiting any of these locations make sure you visit these churches as well. The icing in the cake will be if you could visit them during Christmas. That is the time when these churches get decked up at their best.
So have you visited any of these biggest churches in India? Also let me know if this particular article is helpful for you in planning a trip to these churches.
